First Semester Final
December 2010
Name ______________________________________________________ Hour _____
Part One:
You will use both your Writer’s Notebook and your Portfolio to complete this exam. Scan
the exam questions to know what you are reading for; then take time to read through
your writing for this semester.
1. In the box below, write about a strength you have as a reader, a writer, or a
student in any other subject. Describe the nature of the strength and explain how
it has helped you in this class or any other class.
2. In the box below, write about a challenge you have faced as a reader, a writer, or
a student in English. Describe the nature of the challenge; what you did to face
it, and what you learned.
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
1
First Semester Final
December 2010
3. In the box below, copy your favorite C.P.R. Mugshot. Include the quote and
author. Then demonstrate your ability to develop an idea by first paraphrasing,
then by responding in depth to the meaning or connection you make of the
author’s words. (Six to eight sentences.)
4. In the box below, copy your best example of a Snapshot (written description that
captures sharp physical details – sounds, smells, color, light)..
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
2
First Semester Final
December 2010
5. In the space provided, compose a complete scene that includes the following:
a. Snapshot (written description of sharp physical details)
b. Thoughtshot (written description of thoughts and feelings inside a character’s
head)
c. Dialog (spoken conversation)
d. For full points, please label each part (Snapshot, Thoughtshot, or Dialog)
See Table Copies of the prompt and an example from Twilight.
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
3
First Semester Final
December 2010
6. In looking through your writing (in your W.N. and Portfolio) for this semester,
choose one piece you feel especially proud of. In the space below, write the title
or the topic/assignment and explain what made that piece meaningful to
you.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
7. What books have your read for pleasure this semester?.
Please list the titles and authors for each one you can think of…
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
If you did not read at least two books for pleasure this semester, explain why.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
4
First Semester Final
December 2010
8. Find your best or favorite Reading for Pleasure entry. Revise it, and write a
final copy of it in the space below. If you did not write an RfP entry this past
semester – or – if you do not have your Writer’s Notebook, then write about a
favorite book you’ve read this semester for pleasure. Include the title, the
author, and a sentence starter from your Literacy Log, leading you into
explaining a connection you made as you read. You might also include few
specific details proving why someone else may want to read it.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
9. How many Books for Pleasure have you finished reading this semester? Write the
total number in the box provided.
10. How many RfP Entries did you write this semester? Write the total number in the
box provided.
11. How many pages have your filled in your Writer’s Notebook this semester? Count
only full pages. Half pages can be added up separately, but only count for ½ of a full
page. Write the total pages in the box provided.
If you are a new student, write in how many weeks (approximately) you have been here.
_________Weeks
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
5
First Semester Final
December 2010
Assessing your Writer’s Notebook: Part of your Writer’s Notebook grade includes
completing the Literacy Log taped to the inside cover. You may refer to it for writing
prompts or ideas for responding to your At Home – Reading for Pleasure. Make sure it
is completely updated. Circle the section below that best describes your work in each of
the three following areas for this semester: Reading for Pleasure total minutes, Reading
for Pleasure Entries, WN-Pages Filled.
Assessment Scale:
12.
Reading for
Pleasure *
A
90 minutes per week
22 ½ hours (at least)
B
60 to 89 min per week
15 hours (at least)
C
30 to 59 min per week
7 ½ hours (at least)
13.
A
B
C
RfP Entries
8 or more
5 to 7
3 to 4
14.
A
5 or more pages per week
75 or more
WN – Pages
Filled
B
4 pages per week
60 - 74
C
3 pages each week
45 - 59
* To determine your total reading time, add your total minutes; then divide by 60.
15. How can you do a better job with the Writer’s Notebook and At Home - Reading
for Pleasure next semester? Please be specific:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
6
First Semester Final
December 2010
Part Two:
In a five to eight paragraph letter to Ms. Durham or Ms. Lacy-Utley write about what
you have learned this semester and what you hope to learn next semester.
Suggested paragraphs:
Introductory Paragraph with both of the following:

Hook/Lead (e.g. quotation, common ground w/ readers, Rhetorical question, snapshot,
dialog, action, startling statement)

Thesis Statement (e.g. I have learned three important things in English this semester; I
have learned some important things in English, but some things have confused me.)
At least 3 well-developed (6 to 8 sentences) body paragraphs – suggested content –
at least one paragraph per response:

How the Writer’s Notebook has helped you.

How Reading for Pleasure has helped you.

An important skill or strategy you have learned (e.g. root words, Hero Journey,
snapshots, building a scene, writing a personal narrative, CPR mugshots, quickwrites,
visualization, making connections, writing friendly letters, using a writing process, writing
w/ details, examples, reasons, and evidence, organizing and writing essays, can you
think of others?).

A favorite lesson from this semester (e.g. Hero’s Journey, color poem, walking
composition, Reading for Pleasure, keeping a Writer’s Notebook, Archtypes and Genres,
what else can you think of?).

A lesson or assignment that confused you. Be prepared to discuss what you did
understand as well as your point of confusion.

A procedure or assignment that you wish we could do differently. Be sure to explain why
you’d like to do it differently and how we might learn that skill in a different way.

A skill or strategy that you hope to learn 2nd Semester.
Concluding paragraph that:

Rewords your thesis

Wraps up your letter
Include a Date, Salutation (Dear Ms. Durham or Ms. Lacy-Utley), Closing (i.e. Your
student,), and Signature in your Final Copy
Use the graphic organizer on the back to plan your composition.
Use notebook paper to write your final copy of your letter.
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
7
First Semester Final
December 2010
Introductory Paragraph
Lead/Hook: [Capture readers’ attention]
Thesis Statement: [topic + your opinion]
Supporting Main Point One
Supporting Main Point Two
Supporting Main Point Three







































Conclusion:
Reword Thesis –
Wrap-up –
Durham, Murphy, & Utley | CJH | English 8 and PreAP
8